Watco renames intermodal division, appoints several managers

Watco's Transportation and Intermodal Services division will now be identified as Watco Terminal and Port Services (WTPS). The new name will more accurately reflect service offerings to customers.

In addition to traditional transload terminals, the energy sector has provided growth opportunity with several new terminal locations opening in the past year. As this trend continues, WTPS wants to brand its ability to operate as a terminal and distribution hub for all commodities to potential customers.

In ad¬dition, Watco now operates two port locations, Greens Port in Houston, Texas and Port Birmingham in Birmingham, Ala.

Dan Smith will lead this division as senior vice president, Watco Terminal and Port Services. Smith's role will consist of driving the implementation of key initiatives across all areas of WTPS. Dan previously served as senior vice president, WTIS Devel¬opment and as senior vice president, Greens Port Industrial Park and vice president of Real Estate and Industrial Development.

Joining Smith will be Tim Haas, who has accepted the position of vice president, Terminal Operations with WTPS. Haas' role will be to oversee and develop all aspects of the Terminal Services division. He will be directing a team headed by Jeff Ecret in the South Region and Sam Ricci in the North Region. Each regional director will be guiding the individual terminal managers in the operations and start-up of new terminal locations.

In other news, Brian O'Neal has accepted the position at Watco Transportation Services of general manager for the Yellowstone Valley Railroad. His duties will be to coordinate efforts between all railroad departments and to achieve performance goals with optimum safety, economy, efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring profitability of all departments along with the growth that is taking place on the YSVR.

Desmond Walker has accepted the position of track su¬perintendent for Greens Port Industrial Park. He will oversee railroad track maintenance to conform to Watco and FRA 214 standards.